During these chilly winter months, nothing is better than a cozy Aerie sweater! Whether it’s a wool cardigan or cozy chenille sweater, a little attention can go a long way in maintaining your favorite knits. We want you to enjoy your sweater for ALAP (as long as possible), so that’s why we’ve put together this sweater care guide. Read on below to see our top tips on caring for all your fave sweaters.

Read the Label

We get it – who really wants to read those tiny laundry labels? But trust us, it’s worth it for specific sweater care instructions. Every sweater is made a little differently, whether it’s a plush cotton knit, a lightweight blend, or that ultra-soft chenille we all love. The care label is your cheat sheet to keep your sweater in top shape. It’ll let you know whether to wash by hand, toss it in the machine, or if dry cleaning is your sweater’s BFF.

Don’t Overwash

Confession: You don’t need to wash your sweater after every single wear. In fact, sweaters, especially those cozy oversized ones, don’t like being washed too often. Washing sweaters too much can make it lose its shape and softness. Instead, air them out after each wear, and only wash when they’re really in need of a refresh.

Be Gentle

Being gentle with your sweaters is key for making them last long and stay cozy. Both the washer and the dryer can be harsh on sweaters if you use too high a setting, so picking the right way to wash and dry your sweater is KEY to retaining the softness we all love. You can always opt to hand wash them, but if you’re in a pinch—be sure to wash them on the gentle cycle in your washing machine.

Dry Sweaters Flat

The golden rule of sweater care: never hang them up to dry! If you hang your sweaters to dry, the weight of the wet fabric can cause stretching and misshaping. When drying your sweater, we recommend using a drying rack, or drying them flat on a clean towel. This keeps your sweater looking cute and ready for the next wear.

Fold to Store

Even when dry, hanging up your sweaters can cause stretching, snags, and even holes. When storing your sweaters, be sure to fold them so they retain their shape.

If you do decide to hang them, be sure to drape them over the hanger (see below!) rather than hanging them from the neckline as you would traditionally.

Taking Proper Sweater Care

Taking proper care of your sweaters will keep them looking great and feeling cozy season after season. With just a little extra TLC, you’ll extend the lifespan of your favorite knits and get to enjoy their comfy softness without worry.

What steps are you going to be taking to care for your Aerie sweaters? Comment below & tell us!

Want more care tips? Check to our leggings guide here!